Diamonds in the Kitchen
Evaluating the Program
Measuring success of the program is done in 2 stages. The first stage looks at the immediate impact; benefits gained by the program right away. The second stage looks at outcomes; benefits gained over a longer period of time. These outcomes are measured so that in the future we can learn from what we did well, pinpoint what needs to be improved, and constantly adapt and grow the program to better serve the people we are working with.
Impact Evaluations
6 months following completion of 6 Food $ense Classes, residents will be asked to maintain a log of meals prepared for 5 days. This will show that 3 meals per week meet dietary guidelines.
During that same time, a focus group discussion will be held with the residents to assess perceived benefits of the cookbook and Food $ense Classes.
6 weeks following Cookbook distribution, an email survey will ask how many of the residents find it valuable, and how many times per week it is used.
Outcome Evaluations
One year post completion of the Program, the food journal and focus group assessments will be re-given to show continued dietary improvement and an increase in healthy home cooked meals to 5 days per week.
New residents will be surveyed to find out if existing residents have successfully passed down the skills and information learned. This will be done via focus group.
Data collected from both evaluations will be retained by the program coordinates and disseminated to WSU Extension office, EFNEP, and the Acres of Diamonds Staff.